A State Rarity Rank of S2S3 means: Imperiled or Vulnerable in New York - Very vulnerable to disappearing from New York, or vulnerable to becoming imperiled in New York, due to rarity or other factors; typically 6 to 80 populations or locations in New York, few individuals, restricted range, few remaining acres (or miles of stream), and/or recent and widespread declines. More information is needed to assign a single conservation status.

Global Rarity Rank:G4G5

A Global Rarity Rank of G4G5 means: Apparently or Demonstrably Secure globally - Uncommon to common in the world, but not rare; usually widespread, but may be rare in some parts of its range; possibly some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors. More information is needed to assign a single conservation status.

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Larvae of this species burrow underground during the day, safe from above-ground predators. The larvae are best adapted to sandy areas in which it is easy to burrow, where, as expected, this moth tends to be most abundant (Wagner et al. 2008).

Habitat for this moth is potentially abundant. However, the moth might be restricted to the coastal plain, as it is in New Jersey. Four populations have been documented in the state on Long Island and a nearby island. Two of these were first documented in 2007. Additional surveys are needed to better understand the status and distribution of this moth in the state.

The short-term trend for this species in New York State appears to be stable. At one of four documented populations in the state, similar numbers of moths were captured in 1995 and 2000, resulting in nearly 30 adults captured over the course of the two years. Each of the other three populations were first documented in 1997 or 2007 and have not been surveyed since.